MACHINERY

Upgrades announced for flagship HiLux

Toyota's HiLux Rogue ute has been upgraded with new models due later in the year.

Staff writer
 Toyota has upgraded the suspension, brakes and safety gear on its HiLux Rogue ute. Image courtesy Toyota.

Toyota has upgraded the suspension, brakes and safety gear on its HiLux Rogue ute. Image courtesy Toyota.

The new dual-cab HiLux Rogue has a wheel track width track increase of approximately 140mm in the front and rear, while the vehicle's ride height has also been increased by approximately 20mm.

Toyota says both changes should help aid off-road ability while also improving on-road performance.

Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, said the introduction of the updated Rogue demonstrated Toyota's dedication to offering ever-improved vehicles for customers.

"The significant suspension upgrades to the HiLux Rogue not only improve off-road capability but create a more stable and comfortable on-road driving experience," Hanley said.

To accommodate the track increase, Toyota engineers have overhauled the HiLux suspension by extending the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar length and adjusting shock absorber angle to improve efficiency.

At the rear, axle length has been extended, dampers have been moved further out towards the wheels, and for the first time on HiLux, a rear stabiliser bar has been installed to enhance cornering stability and ride comfort.

As a result of the suspension changes, roll rigidity has been enhanced by 20 per cent, according to Toyota.

Stopping power has also been upgraded for the Rogue, with new rear ventilated disc brakes replacing the existing drum brakes. New 17-inch front disc brakes have also been enlarged by one inch.

To house the increased track width, wide track overfenders and mudguards have been installed, while the front body extension has also been widened to seamlessly integrate with the front bumper.

Coinciding with the arrival of the ‘wide-bodied' Rogue, Toyota is introducing upgrades to other core variants. SR extra-cab and double-cab models receive new black 17-inch alloy rims, replacing steel wheels and body-coloured door handles have also been adopted.

SR5 double-cab pick-ups gain extra active safety equipment as standard, with the addition of blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert for greater on-road peace of mind. These features are also included on the Rogue.

A panoramic view monitor has also been added to SR5 double-cab pick-ups to help manoeuvre in tight spaces, as have puddle lamps which replace heated exterior mirrors.

Toyota has not released details on any engine changes for the models, which should retain the 150kW, 2.8 litre diesel.

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